The Wobble Hypothesis: Calculating tRNA Utilization in the Genetic Code

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The discussion focuses on calculating the minimum number of tRNAs required to pair with 61 codons using the wobble hypothesis. The wobble theory suggests that the first two nucleotides of a codon are crucial, allowing for flexibility in the third position. This flexibility reduces the total number of tRNAs needed from 61 to a lower number. Participants consider whether the minimum number of tRNAs could be 16, based on the four possible nucleotides in the first two positions. The conversation emphasizes understanding the genetic code's structure and the implications of codon redundancy.
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Using the wobble hypothesis and the genetic code, calculate the minimum number of tRNAs that a cell can utilize to pair up with 61 codons.

How do I carry this out?

- We know that there are 4 different bases: A,C,U,G (No T in RNA)

Thanks
 
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A codon has a sequence of 3 nucleotides, but the wobble theory applies to the last one, meaning that the most important nucleotides are the first two. This means that the amount of tRNAs required by disregarding the wobble hypothesis (61) can be reduced by a fractional amount.
 
ok ty! But, now, as I have two "important" areas for nucleotides and we have a possibility of 4 nucleotides in each would the minimum number of tRNAs be 16?
 
Are the 61 codons all different?
 
it doesn't tell you, but i would assume so. I don't think that is a matter for this question.
 

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